When pans and pots are coated with an electrochemically-hardened aluminum layer, it is called as hard-anodized cookware. It is available in various brands and styles. Hard-anodized aluminum cookware lasts long because of its properties as compared to non-anodized one.

Hard Anodized Cookware Benefits

Hard anodized cookware has become popular due to its various benefits over traditional cookware. Given below are the different properties which make people choose it over other cookware.

1

Longer Life Span

Hard anodization of cookware makes it very durable and thus gives it a long life span. The layer also makes it corrosion and abrasion resistant. The layer is so strong that it is used even on satellites to protect it from the harshness encountered in space. The automotive motor parts in race cars are also coated with this to harden and protect them, so the heat and friction does not damage it. This ensures that the surface does not chip or peel off.

2

Non-Toxic

When the hard anodization is done, the surface becomes non-toxic, resistant to decomposition and is chemically stable. The surface of hard-anodized cookware is without any harmful chemical coting like PTFE or PFOA. It can withstand very high temperatures and does not get damaged. It is labeled as heat-resistant to temperature of 1221°F, which is the melting point of aluminum.

3

Nonstick

Hard anodized cookware is regarded better than non-stick cookware. The surface is smooth and nearly non-porous, preventing stains and food flavors from being absorbed into the surface and becoming stick-resistant naturally.

4

Great Cooking Performance

Hard-anodized cookware works well for various kinds of cooking. It can brown meat well and also works well for acidic foods like tomatoes. The cookware can meet various cooking techniques like sautéing, glazing, searing, steaming, and even simmering.

5

Easy to Clean

Since hard-anodized cookware is non-stick, it becomes very easy to clean. Using a non-abrasive scrubber along with soapy water should be enough to clean the pots and pans well.

Top 5 Hard Anodized Cookware

1

Circulon Symmetry

Price: $300

The Circulon Symmetry is an award winner set of hard-Anodized Cookware, consisting of 11 pieces of cookware. It is a heavy duty, fully non-stick and dish-washer safe cookware. It is oven safe up to 400°F and can be used on stove-tops, glass and ceramic induction ranges as well. It has a silicon handle which remains cool while cooking and is non-slippery.

2

Anolon Advanced Bronze

Price: $300

The Anolon Advanced Bronze set has very stylish bronze finish and has durable touch. It is of the right weight, not too light or too heavy with a cool grip, break-resistant glass lids and is oven safe up to 400 degrees. The set consists of 3 pots in different sizes, a large stock pot, a skillet, shallow grill pan, etc.

3

Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Non-Stick Hard Anodized

Price: $243.99

This award winning hard anodized set has 17 pieces which can be used for various types and forms of cooking. It is excellent choice for everyday cooking and is easy to clean as well. It is oven safe up to 500°F and has break resistant glass lids. The variety and sizes is the strongest point of this set.

4

T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized E918SC64

Price: $123.99

This set is a runner up in the budget category with 12 pieces. This set comes with a thermos temperature indicator, which turns red when it is ready for cooking. It is good when used on gas stoves and helps in even heating. It is excellent when has to be used for oil-free cooking.

5

Anolon Nouvelle Copper

Price: $448.49

An 11 piece set which was runner up at Editor’s Choice is a good choice for experienced cooks. The pieces have high productivity, excellent craft and ergonomic design. They are sturdy, hefty and good in weight. It is oven safe up to 500°F.

Tips for Using Hard Anodized Cookware

Hard anodized and nonstick cookware is not good for dishwashers. It is suggested to wash them by hand to make them last long. Some types of them are labeled as dishwasher safe, like Circulon Symmetry, Calphalon Unison and T-fal Ultimate, but it is still recommended to wash by hands.

The maintenance of hard anodized cookware is easy. The cookware should be soaked in warm soapy water and food residue should be removed using soft sponge or dish cloth.

Some studies have linked consumption of aluminum and its particles to Alzheimer’s diseases as well as cancer. Due to this, people wonder if using such cookware is safe for health. It is safe and can be used without fear whether for hard anodized cookware or not since the aluminum in it that can be absorbed by foods is so little.